STORYSTORM 2021

by Jamie Bills | Dec 27, 2020 | Writing

What is STORYSTORM? STORYSTORM is a writing challenge that is held every January. The idea is that you write down one new story idea every day in January and by the end of the month you will have 30 new ideas. The challenge/event is hosted by Tara Lazar. How to...

Critique Partners: More Precious than Gold

by Jamie Bills | Nov 13, 2020 | Writing

My Critique Group When I attended a Michigan writing conference in April, many speakers talked about the importance of joining a critique group. They made compelling arguments. My husband and kids were really sweet to read my stories and give feedback, but I knew...

Fall Writing Frenzy 2020

by Jamie Bills | Sep 30, 2020 | Writing

About the Contest Kaitlyn Sanchez (https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/) and Lydia Lukidis (https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/) host the Fall Writing Frenzy (#fallwritingfrenzy). The main goal of the competition is for writers to make connections. Winners recieve...

SCBWI Summer Spectacular

by Jamie Bills | Aug 28, 2020 | Writing

I attended my first SCBWI conference (virtually) at the beginning of the month. It was SO jam-packed with information, it has taken me a few weeks to try to take it all in. I would like to share some valuable lessons I learned. 5 Writing Conference Takeaways During...

Good Information & Good Inspiration

by Jamie Bills | Jul 28, 2020 | Writing

Free Community-Wide Shop Talk with Jay Whistler Sunday I was able to listen to a live presentation from Jay Whistler (hosted by Michigan-SCBWI). The presentation was titled, “From Slush Pile to Signing”. Until I find a literary agent, I will seek out all...

A Little About My Writing Journey

by Jamie Bills | Jul 25, 2020 | Writing

If you read my “About” page, you know about the quest I embarked on to read every picture book in the Norman, Oklahoma library. Months after beginning that goal, my daughter was having a hard time breaking the habit of picking her nose. I know, gross. In...